Leaky Cockpit

[Sparkster]

I have a 4 month old (to me) 2002 Current Design Sirocco. It was new when I got it in Early April. It is also my first...a fine noble steed it is.

My cockpit leaks into my day hatch...Has anyone had success with sealing this type of leak. If so, how do I go about repairing it. I plan to contact CD. However, I'm leaving for a 5 day lake trip on Sunday. I don't think they will be able to help me with this before then.

My boat has a plastic wall with foam around it as well as what looks to me like silicone around for all the hatches and from the cockpit to the day hatch.

I was thinking of a rubber silicone? Would I have to rip out the old silicone? Would this be wise to do or could it jeopardize any warranty.

I have noticed on the newer 04 Sirocco's they have replaced this type of hatch wall with a dense foam block and silicone around.

Thanks in advance

Steve

[ccarlson]

Hey Steve,

I've heard that CD is providing the new bulkheads as a retrofit kit to owners of the boats with the plastic bulkheads. So, you should be sure that they get these to you.

Of course, that won't help you for this weekend. If you do use silicone, you will want to remove all the loose stuff first, then apply new sealant. Many people find that 3M 5200 works far better but is quite permanent so, if you're going to replace the bulkheads later anyway, maybe better to use the silicone which can be removed more easily. Hopefully, some of the experts on this board will be able to give you more definite advice re. which sealants work best on your poly hull. That old standby, duct tape, can often save the day, at least temporarily.

Good luck and have a great trip!

[Brian Nystrom]

Silicone bonds poorly and leaves a residue that prevents anything else from bonding to the same area. You can use Lexel, 3M 4200 (or 5200) or one of the Goop products. All are readily available at hardware stores and home centers. They bond much better and leave no residue.

I agree with Carl that you should contact CD. When I had a problem with a girlfriend's boat, they sent me all the parts and sealants I needed to fix it, no charge.

[John Leonard]

I have had excellent luck with the previously mentioned 3M 5200. It is more expensive, but bonds really well to plastic and foam (or glass and foam, or plastic and plastic, or ...). It also has better flexibility than any of the others and it holds up really well. The Lexcel is cheaper, and that is what CD uses, but cracks easier as preasure changes and water push on the bulkheads.

It takes about two days to cure so you need to have some time to do it correctly.

West Marine carries is but, you can probably find it at most marine stores.

Good luck

[Sparkster]

Hi All,

Thanks for the help.

You have all said what CD said.

I did contact CD today. They didn't offer to send the new foam bulkheads

and sealant. They did however recommend the repairs you all have mentioned and offered for me to send my boat back after paddling season is over. (Does it have to end?)

I purchased 3m marine grade silicone sealant. I took out all the old silicone and roughed her up a bit with 50 grit sand paper, and replaced with the new sealant. I definitely put more than what was in the boat before. I'm a little disappointed that this is happening with my boat. I'm hoping the repairs will be a good temp fix.

Thanks again,

Steve

[Brian Nystrom]

The "Fast Cure" version takes a couple of days to cure. The regular stuff takes a week!